Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
This is a rhetorical question, emphasising that no human can cleanse their own heart by their own effort or morality. Human hearts are naturally prone to sin and deceit (Jer. 17:9). True purity is not achieved by works, willpower, or self-effort, but only through God’s intervention and forgiveness.
Scripture states: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10). “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isa. 1:18).
‘I am pure from my sin.’ No one can claim absolute moral perfection or self-purification. Purity and forgiveness are gifts from God, received by faith in His provision for redemption.
New Testament fulfilment: Cleansing is available through the blood of Christ (1Jn 1:7, 9; Heb. 9:14-28; Rev. 1:5). Faith in Christ allows a believer to declare their heart clean and forgiven, not by works, but by God’s grace (Rom. 6:1-23; 2Cor. 5:17-18).
Old Testament saints were also purified by faith. Even before Christ’s earthly ministry, saints were cleansed through faith in the coming Redeemer: Abraham was counted righteous by faith (Rom. 4:1-25). David repented and received forgiveness (Ps. 32:1-5; 51:1-12). Isaiah foresaw cleansing and redemption (Isa. 6:7; 1:18).
Salvation and cleansing are always God’s work, not human achievement. No one can claim self-purity; all humans need God’s cleansing. True heart purification comes only through God, in the Old Testament by faith in the promised Messiah, and in the New Testament through Christ’s sacrifice. Human effort alone cannot make the heart clean. Only God, through faith in His provision, can purify and redeem the soul, making a person righteous before Him.
Living the Word 